The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee said while construction directly related to the World Cup had yet to start it was committed to providing proper treatment for workers.

A statement said:

"Like everyone viewing the video and images, and reading the accompanying texts, we are appalled by the findings presented in The Guardian's report.

"There is no excuse for any worker in Qatar, or anywhere else, to be treated in this manner.

"The health, safety, well-being and dignity of every worker that contributes to staging the 2022 FIFA World Cup is of the utmost importance to our committee and we are committed to ensuring that the event serves as a catalyst toward creating sustainable improvements to the lives of all workers in Qatar."

The statement added the Qatari government is conducting an investigation into the allegations.

Fifa's decision to name the country as hosts for 2022 three years ago has prompted an outpouring of criticism.

Aside from the country's infamous human rights record, the Arab state's climate could mean the World Cup is re-scheduled to be played in the winter, which would heavily disrupt the domestic football schedule.